See the heart of Europe – in total serenity
WHAT means of touring could be more rewarding than meandering comfortably through Europe on a river cruise ship, hopping effortlessly between time-capsule medieval cities and cultural hotspots?
There’s so much to see. On the banks, lush pastoral scenes are often interspersed with lofty wonders such as castles, great abbeys and palaces.
All that’s required of you is to sit back, relax and take in the everchanging view, either with a drink on the sundeck, in your stateroom or in the panoramic lounge.
But this effortless way of sightseeing is only part of the story. River cruising provides a marvellous means of immersing yourself in art, architecture and music, as each new day means you can wander at will ashore, or join a walking tour with an expert guide.
Days are filled with culture, coffee houses and culinary quests as you explore each new destination in depth. And at night there are delicious dining experiences, with free-flowing drinks – and strolls into medieval town centres. There’s entertainment too, from recitals and expert talks to demonstrations of glass-blowing or gingerbread-making, plus live music every night. So both on board and ashore, you can look forward to a rewarding experiences. And it all takes place in a welcoming and stylish environment that is much like a boutique hotel, where the emphasis is on comfort, space and excellent service, and where nothing is too much trouble. Many ships cater for fewer than 200 guests, so the atmosphere is friendly and informal, with a smart-casual dress code. The river-view staterooms are relaxing sanctuaries, providing a vista of the wonderful world through which you are travelling.
Fine food to tantalise your tastebuds is naturally included in the price, including a sumptuous dinner served daily in the restaurant or under the stars on the terrace.
Wi-fi and scheduled flights will often be rolled up in the price, too, and there are no-fly options.
So whichever river you choose to cruise on, you can look forward to an exciting cultural journey that is remarkable value, as well as being supremely memorable.
WHERE TO CRUISE
HEAD serenely through romantic landscapes and quaint villages on an Emerald Waterways cruise in France’s pastoral south, experiencing Roman influences in Arles, wonderful Beaujolais vineyards, and worldclass restaurants in Lyons, known as Europe’s culinary capital.
Emerald also offers an idyllic passage down the Rhine, exploring authentic German cultures, as halftimbered houses dot the flanks of the river, creating a fairytale backdrop.
And Danube Delights, from Nuremberg to Budapest, invites you to walk the streets of Regensburg, explore Melk’s 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, join a local family for a home-hosted lunch in Bratislava, and experience the concert halls and palaces of Vienna.
BANQUETS AND CONCERTS
EXPERIENCE the Rhine and the Danube on a 15-day itinerary, such as APT’s Magnificent Europe, from Amsterdam to Budapest.
This includes a series of exclusive treats – a lavish banquet in Namedy Castle, a rail journey on the deluxe, turn-of-the-century-style Majestic Imperator train, and a concert and reception in a Viennese palace.
Another fantastic option is a Balkan Gems itinerary, slicing through Eastern Europe. En route lie Bratislava, Vienna, Budapest and Belgrade and the awe-inspiring Iron Gates, where the Danube winds through a series of truly magnificent gorges.
Nothing beats arriving in these scenic and culturally rich destinations the way that traders and travellers have done for centuries – by river.
CRUISE SHIPS CAN COME TOO!
SOME smaller ocean-going ships now sail on European waterways – a great no-fly option. For example, Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines’ Braemar will soon be cruising the Seine after leaving Dover on April 1, with ports of call including Rouen (with a tour to Paris), La Rochelle and Bordeaux.
And Balmoral will cruise through rivers in Germany, Holland and Belgium after leaving Dover on April 22. The itinerary is timed perfectly to take in the annual King’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam, where guests will be greeted by a sea of orange as locals get in the spirit.